3.2 smells hot around radiator | FerrariChat

3.2 smells hot around radiator

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by greatscott73, Apr 27, 2021.

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  1. greatscott73

    greatscott73 Formula Junior

    Sep 1, 2017
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    Eastern Tennessee
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    Howard Scott
    #1 greatscott73, Apr 27, 2021
    My 1987 3.2 US spec Mondial has a “hot antifreeze” smell around the nose after driving. There is no sign of leaking coolant anywhere. The car doesn’t run hot at all, fans turn on when they should and all hoses seem dry. I’m running out of ideas as to where to look.
     
  2. mike32

    mike32 F1 Veteran

    May 13, 2016
    5,835
    Isle of man- uk
    #2 mike32, Apr 28, 2021
    Header tank going down ?. or heater core/ hose leaking
     
  3. johnk...

    johnk... F1 World Champ
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    Jun 11, 2004
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    #3 johnk..., Apr 28, 2021
    Is the coolant level stable?
     
  4. greatscott73

    greatscott73 Formula Junior

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    Eastern Tennessee
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    Howard Scott
    #4 greatscott73, Apr 28, 2021
    Coolant level seems unchanged. Its like I can smell a leak, but can't seem to find it. I'm going to go around the front today and tighten up every hose clamp I can find and see if it makes a difference.
     
  5. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    Nov 29, 2001
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    Mitchell Le
    #5 yelcab, Apr 28, 2021
    Use a pressure tester.
     
    Steve Magnusson likes this.
  6. greatscott73

    greatscott73 Formula Junior

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    #6 greatscott73, Apr 28, 2021
    I had considered the pressure test approach. If nothing obvious appears today, that will be my next move. Thanks!
     
  7. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 11, 2001
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    Steve Magnusson
    #7 Steve Magnusson, Apr 28, 2021
    +1 -- pressure testing with cold coolant and cold hoses will show you leaks that aren't even leaks ;) (As the rubber hoses heat-up, soften, expand, and seal better before the pressure increases -- having cold, hard hoses under pressure is a condition not seen in normal operation.)
     
  8. greatscott73

    greatscott73 Formula Junior

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    #8 greatscott73, Apr 28, 2021
    haha, just what I need! Thanks Steve!
     
  9. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 1, 2005
    3,637
    Canada
    #9 moysiuan, Apr 28, 2021
    Check the heater valve under the passenger dash area, on the upper right side of the footwell is where it mounts. These hoses might be weeping, or the valve casing itself can leak.
     
  10. greatscott73

    greatscott73 Formula Junior

    Sep 1, 2017
    409
    Eastern Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Howard Scott
    #10 greatscott73, Apr 29, 2021
    The smell radiates from the very nose of the car, and there is no aroma in the cab itself, but I appreciate the heads-up. I just recently had to venture into under dash territory to change the A/C expansion valve, and all appeared good at the time. Thanks again!
     
  11. djs308

    djs308 Formula 3
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    Sep 2, 2002
    1,100
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    David S.
    #11 djs308, Apr 29, 2021
    Oh, I had that exact problem a number of years ago. Was a major leak! Took a while to figure out where the source was as the coolant dripped behind the carpeting and down to the floor in the cabin before it travelled further. Huge mess. Replaced the heater valve.
     

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